Subaru Ascent problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The most significant documented Ascent problems cluster in early model years: 2019 Ascents had recalls for missing B-pillar spot welds, a CVT pressure sensor, a PCV valve and fuel pumps, and 2019–2020 models got CVT software to stop the drive chain slipping. A 2019–2022 heater ground-bolt recall carries a fire risk.

CarWhere lists 11 documented Ascent issues, including 9 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

Ascent generations at a glance

Subaru Ascent generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
First generation2019 onwardB-pillar may be missing spot welds (recall 18V508) · CVT hydraulic pressure sensor may read high (recall 19V855) · CVT clutch may engage before the drive chain is clamped (recall 21V955) · PCV valve can break apart inside the engine (recall 19V856) · Low-pressure fuel pump may fail (recall 21V587) · Driveshaft center support bolts may loosen (recall 19V519) · Cabin heater ground terminal may melt (fire risk) (recall 22V907) · Front tie rod ends may not fit properly (recall 21V954) · Tire beads may be damaged (20-inch wheels) (recall 23V258) · Battery drain: class settlement for 2019–2020 Ascents · Windshield cracking: class settlement for 2019–2022 Ascents

First generation Ascent problems (2019 onward)

B-pillar may be missing spot welds (recall 18V508) (2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2019 onward)
Years:
2019
Powertrain:
All

Certain early 2019 Ascents may be missing spot welds on or around the B-pillar, weakening the body in a crash. Dealers inspect the welds and Subaru replaces vehicles that are missing them. NHTSA lists 293 vehicles in the campaign.

Symptoms

  • No warning signs before a crash

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the B-pillar spot-weld inspection

NHTSA recall: 18V508 (2018-08-02) · 293 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1]

CVT hydraulic pressure sensor may read high (recall 19V855) (2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2019 onward)
Years:
2019
Powertrain:
CVT

The transmission hydraulic sensor in 2019 Ascents can read pressure higher than it is, so the CVT drive chain may lose tension and the vehicle lose drive power. Dealers reprogram the transmission control unit, replace the sensor harness if certain codes are stored, and address transmissions with confirmed low pressure, free of charge. NHTSA lists 76,842 vehicles in the campaign.

Symptoms

  • Loss of drive power
  • Transmission warning light

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the TCU reprogramming under 19V855

NHTSA recall: 19V855 (2019-12-02) · 76,842 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [2]

CVT clutch may engage before the drive chain is clamped (recall 21V955) (2019–2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2019 onward)
Years:
2019–2020
Powertrain:
CVT

A transmission control unit programming error in 2019–2020 Ascents (and 2020 Outbacks and Legacys) can let the clutch engage before the CVT drive chain is fully clamped, so the chain may slip and break. Dealers reprogram the TCU, check for chain slip and replace the transmission if damage is found. The 198,255 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 21V955, not just the Ascent.

Symptoms

  • Sudden loss of drive power
  • Transmission warning light

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the TCU reprogramming and chain-slip check

NHTSA recall: 21V955 (2021-12-09) · 198,255 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [3]

PCV valve can break apart inside the engine (recall 19V856) (2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2019 onward)
Years:
2019
Powertrain:
2.4L turbo

The aluminum PCV valve on certain 2019 Ascents (and Crosstreks and Foresters) can separate and its pieces enter the engine, causing a loss of power. Dealers replace the valve and the short block if the pieces cannot be found, free of charge. The 51,613 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 19V856, not just the Ascent.

Symptoms

  • Sudden loss of power
  • Check-engine light

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the PCV valve replacement

NHTSA recall: 19V856 (2019-12-02) · 51,613 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [4]

Low-pressure fuel pump may fail (recall 21V587) (2019–2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2019 onward)
Years:
2019–2020
Powertrain:
All

The in-tank low-pressure fuel pump on certain 2019–2020 Ascents can fail and stall the engine. Campaign 20V218 covered 2019 models first; 21V587 covers 2019–2020. Dealers replace the pump free of charge. The 175,968 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 21V587, not just the Ascent.

Symptoms

  • Engine stalls or will not restart

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the low-pressure fuel pump replacement

NHTSA recall: 21V587 (2021-07-29) · 175,968 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [5][6]

Driveshaft center support bolts may loosen (recall 19V519) (2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2019 onward)
Years:
2019
Powertrain:
All

Center support bolts for the driveshaft on certain 2019 Ascents can loosen so the front of the driveshaft disconnects. A similar campaign, 23V647, covered 2023 Ascents. Dealers replace the driveshaft and support brace (2019) or fit new bolts (2023), free of charge. NHTSA lists 166 vehicles in the campaign.

Symptoms

  • Vibration or clunk from under the center of the vehicle

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the driveshaft center support repair

NHTSA recall: 19V519 (2019-07-10) · 166 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [7][8]

Cabin heater ground terminal may melt (fire risk) (recall 22V907) (2019–2022)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2019 onward)
Years:
2019–2022
Powertrain:
All

The ground bolt for the PTC cabin heater in 2019–2022 Ascents may not be fastened properly, so the terminal and nearby parts can melt and catch fire. Owners were advised to park away from structures and not leave the vehicle running unattended until repaired. NHTSA lists 271,694 vehicles in the campaign.

Symptoms

  • Smoke or burning smell from the dash or driver footwell

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the PTC heater ground bolt repair

NHTSA recall: 22V907 (2022-12-08) · 271,694 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [9]

Front tie rod ends may not fit properly (recall 21V954) (2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2019 onward)
Years:
2020
Powertrain:
All

An incorrectly tapered hole in the housing on certain 2020 Ascents means the front tie rod ends may not fit, and they can deform if overtightened and then separate, causing a loss of steering control. Dealers replace both front tie rod ends and housings free of charge. NHTSA lists 1,305 vehicles in the campaign.

Symptoms

  • Loose or wandering steering
  • Clunk when turning

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the tie rod end replacement

NHTSA recall: 21V954 (2021-12-09) · 1,305 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [10]

Tire beads may be damaged (20-inch wheels) (recall 23V258) (2023)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2019 onward)
Years:
2023
Powertrain:
All

On certain 2023 Ascents with 20-inch wheels, the tire bead may have been damaged when the tires were mounted, so a tire can lose air suddenly. Dealers replace all four tires free of charge. NHTSA lists 4,409 vehicles in the campaign.

Symptoms

  • Tire that keeps losing pressure

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the four-tire replacement

NHTSA recall: 23V258 (2023-04-07) · 4,409 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [11]

Battery drain: class settlement for 2019–2020 Ascents (2019–2020)

Minor
Generation:
First generation (2019 onward)
Years:
2019–2020
Powertrain:
All

A class action alleged that the electrical system in 2019–2020 Ascents (and 2015–2020 Outback, Forester, Legacy and WRX) could keep drawing current after shutdown and drain the battery. The court approved a settlement in January 2023 that extended warranty coverage for qualifying battery failures. Subaru denied the claims.

Symptoms

  • Dead battery after sitting

Check before buying

  • Have the battery and parasitic draw tested

Sources: [12][13]

Windshield cracking: class settlement for 2019–2022 Ascents (2019–2022)

Minor
Generation:
First generation (2019 onward)
Years:
2019–2022
Powertrain:
All

A class action alleged that windshields on 2019–2022 Ascents (and Forester, Legacy and Outback models) could crack without a clear impact. In October 2024 a federal court preliminarily approved a settlement offering reimbursement of certain costs and an 8-year/100,000-mile extended warranty for a one-time replacement with an updated windshield. Subaru denied the claims.

Symptoms

  • Crack spreading from the windshield edge

Check before buying

  • Ask whether the windshield was replaced and EyeSight recalibrated

Sources: [14]

Related Ascent research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how an Ascent was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Subaru build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Subaru build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What is the Subaru Ascent welding recall?

Recall 18V508 covers certain early 2019 Ascents that may be missing spot welds on or around the B-pillar, which weakens the body in a crash. Dealers inspect the welds, and Subaru replaces any vehicle that is missing them.

Does the Ascent have transmission recalls?

Yes. Recall 19V855 reprograms the CVT on 2019 Ascents because a pressure sensor can read high, and 21V955 fixes software on 2019–2020 Ascents that could let the drive chain slip and break. Dealers replace damaged transmissions.

Is there a fire-risk recall on the Ascent?

Yes. Recall 22V907 covers 2019–2022 Ascents whose cabin PTC heater ground bolt may be loose, letting the terminal melt. Owners were told to park away from structures until a dealer repaired it.

Which Ascent years have the most recalls?

The 2019 Ascent appears in the most campaigns in NHTSA recall data, including B-pillar welds, CVT pressure sensor, CVT chain software, PCV valve, fuel pump, driveshaft bolts and the heater ground bolt. Check every one is closed on a used 2019.

Was the Ascent in the Subaru battery drain settlement?

Yes. The 2019–2020 Ascent was included in the battery drain class settlement approved in January 2023, which extended warranty coverage for qualifying battery failures. Subaru denied the claims.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. Recall 18V508: Structure — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  2. Recall 19V855: Power Train — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  3. Recall 21V955: Power Train — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  4. Recall 19V856: Engine And Engine Cooling — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  5. Recall 21V587: Fuel System, Gasoline — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  6. Recall 20V218: Fuel System, Gasoline — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  7. Recall 19V519: Power Train — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  8. Recall 23V647: Power Train — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  9. Recall 22V907: Electrical System — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  10. Recall 21V954: Steering — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  11. Recall 23V258: Tires — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  12. In re Subaru Battery Drain Products Liability Litigation, No. 1:20-cv-03095 (D.N.J.): official settlement website — JND Legal Administration (court-appointed settlement administrator)
  13. Subaru Battery Settlement: frequently asked questions — JND Legal Administration (court-appointed settlement administrator)
  14. Powell v. Subaru of America, No. 1:19-cv-19114 (D.N.J.), order granting preliminary approval of windshield settlement (Oct. 3, 2024) — U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (via GovInfo)

More Subaru tools

Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Subaru of America, Inc. or Subaru Corporation. Subaru and the model names are trademarks of their owners.